March 15 – 19 Sat - Wed
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Shrewsbury
Based: Ludlow
Walking: Easy
Description:
The counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire contain a great many remarkably unspoiled and undiscovered corners, especially considering their close proximity to the Midlands and other major conurbations. Our base by the characterful market town of Ludlow on the River Teme is perfectly located for striking a number of prime wildlife localities. From bridges around the town we should notch up Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher, and at nearby Whitcliffe Common may still find a Hawfinch present.
Easy walks through quiet back routes present us with Green, Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Jays, Common Buzzards and Yellowhammers, plus incoming spring migrants - Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Primroses manifest in swards across meadows, and Viviparous Lizards bask in sheltered spots.
At wetlands along the River Severn we encounter passage waders – Wood and Green Sandpipers – and breeding Little Ringed Plovers.
We visit the Elan Valley in Radnorshire f0r a day of raptor watching: Common Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines and possibly Goshawks.
The Long Mynd above Church Stretton is an excellent unit of moorland, where Red Grouse and Merlin are the main target birds.
Nighttime excursions are undertaken using a powerful spotlight to look for nocturnal mammals. Polecat is top of the list, with Fox, Badger and Fallow Deer in support – also Tawny and Barn Owls.
This tour is essentially a leisurely, laid back exploration of superb 'back-roads' English and Welsh countryside, presenting a very rewarding diversity of wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sat...09:30 Rendezvous:
From Shrewsbury first we travel to Venus Pool not far from the town. Where Tree Sparrows and Great Spotted Woodpeckers plus an array of waterfowl prime the tour. Onwards to Ludlow locations by the River Teme are checked for for Dipper and Kingfisher. Groves of Hornbeams at Whitcliffe Common are scrutinised for the Hawfinches that winter here.
Days 2 - 4 Sun - Tue:
Minor routes between Ludlow, Wigmore and Mortimer Cross are an undiscovered world of wonderful habitats. Woodpeckers (three species) are very much on the agenda, plus Nuthatch, Marsh and Willow Tits. A valleu where Goshawks nest is visited, where we may sight the birds and hear them calling
Heather moorland on the Long Mynd is now managed to improve habitats of upland birds. Red Grouse have a tenuous hold here, but we remain confident of a sighting. Wheatear, Stonechat and Meadow Pipit frequent the upper plateau, attracting the attention of Merlins.
Superb sparsely populated valleys are travelled though on our way to Rhayader in Wales, where we explore the Elan Valley for Common Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines and Goshawks.
Hinterland Shropshire and Herefordshire contain several notable and off-the-beaten-track conservation areas, where we
see Teal, Goosander, Water Rail, Green, Wood and Common Sandpipers, plus other northbound waders. At river bridges we find evidence of Otters.
An after-dark excursion employing using a spotlight enhances possibilities of viewing nocturnal mammals., which are relatively common, are the principle target. Badger, Fox and Fallow Deer are reasonably certain.
Day 5 Wed:
Following a last wander around Whitcliffe Common and by the River Teme we duly head back to Shrewsbury, where the tour finishes mid-afternoon.
Cost: £610...includes:
four nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; lunches; all excursions including transfers to and from Shrewsbury Railway Station.